THE government’s decision for non-medical face masks to require Sirim approval has drawn mixed reviews among health experts and consumer groups.

The former said the new requirement is ridiculous as priority should be to encourage the public to cover up with any mask available to them.

Consumer groups, however, said this was a good move to ensure that the public are using high-quality products, but questioned the appointment of the quality assurance company.

Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the requirement was ridiculous and a waste of time.

“A face mask is a face mask; you have to distinguish between a commodity consumer product and a medical product,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“We don’t set such high standards unless it is for medical use, when doctors and nurses use it in operating rooms and wards.”

But surgical masks already fall under the purview of the Medical Device Authority (MDA), the Gopeng lawmaker said.

“If you start to do Sirim registration for non-medical masks, you add an additional level of registration which is redundant.

“At the end of the day, you are adding unnecessary hurdles.”

Lee also asked if the government directive is to use high-quality face masks, should everyone be using N95 masks instead.

“You talk about masks having no quality control, but this is all public health policy. If you need good quality, then should we say we all need to wear N95, where do we draw the line?”

At the end of the day, any mask is sufficient in preventing transmission (of Covid-19), he said.

He added that the government should instead spend its time regulating other things.

Last week, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that non-medical masks are required to have Sirim certification come January 1, 2023.

The ministry said the move was to ensure that non-medical masks, produced locally or imported, comply with the safety standards set.

Companies that fail to comply with regulations could be fined up to RM200,000, while individuals (manufacturers or importers of non-medical face masks) could face fines up to RM100,000 or prison sentences not exceeding three years or both.

For a second or subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding RM250,000 or imprisonment no more than five years or both will apply.

No shortage of face masks

Malaysian Pharmacist Society president Amrahi Buang said the new requirement will not lead to mask shortages in pharmacies nationwide.

“So far there is no issue in terms of supply of masks. Community pharmacies should only sell medical or surgical masks,” he said.

Amrahi said when it comes to masks, the questions that need to be asked are what is the purpose of a non-medical mask and what is defined as a non-medical mask.

“A non-medical mask is not recommended for use to protect against the virus.

“The right type to use is the medical mask, which must be registered as a medical device under the Medical Device Authority.”

Sirim, too, has not come up with any guidelines pertaining to the registration of non-medical masks, he added.

According to the Health Ministry, non-medical masks are three-layer cloth masks – with the innermost made of cotton or cotton blends, the outermost made of polypropylene, polyester, or their blend, and the middle layer is made of synthetic non-woven materials.

Meanwhile, medical masks are usually three-ply surgical masks.

Sirim monopoly will push prices up

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations president Marimuthu Nadason is of the view that the move for certification is good, but is unhappy with the monopoly given to Sirim.

“The bigger question now is, Malaysia has 30 certification companies, they are just like Sirim. Why is monopoly given to Sirim?” he asked.

“If they allow monopoly, prices will increase. (The government) should allow other players (to be part of the accreditation).

“If you want to have monopolies, why have a competition commission?”

Even if prices go up by a few sen, this might drive people to stop wearing masks, he said.

“I’ve heard of people washing their masks and reusing them because they have a large family.”

When asked whether multiple parties taking part in the accreditation process will confuse consumers, Nadason said consumers are not stupid.

“Consumers are very smart, they know to look at trademarks and certification (before purchasing).” – April 13, 2022.